ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
INSPIRE Faculty fellow’s engineering to produce heat-tolerant wheat varieties resulting in improved grain yield
We may soon have a wheat variety that does not lose its productivity under heat stress.
Heat stress causes a dramatic reduction in yield and quality loss of wheat, the food crop that nurtures more than one-third of the world population.
In order to address this challenge, Dr. Vijay Gahlaut, an Inspire Faculty Fellow of the Department of Science and Technology , is exploring the epigenetic route to modify gene expression in a manner that is stably transmitted but do not involve differences in the underlying DNA sequence, so that the heritable genes do not buckle under heat stress and non-stress conditions during different grain filling stages.
Dr. Vijay who is faculty at the Biotechnology division at the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, will identify the role of DNA methylation  patterns of heat stress-tolerant and heat stress-sensitive wheat genotypes during different grain filling stages. He proposes to carry this out through a process called epigenomic mapping, which will also help in the identification of natural epigenetic variation.
His recent publication in the journal ‘Genomics’ has shown that differential expression pattern of C5-MTase genes under heat stress suggesting their role in stress response in wheat. This could give a major clue to producing heat-tolerant productive wheat varieties.
The utilization of identical genes that differ in the extent of methylation known asepialleles identified through his research could be one of the most promising solutions to improving wheat productivity by engineering elite wheat varieties with enhanced heat stress tolerance and increase grain yield.
[Publication Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.08.031
For more detail, Dr. Vijay Gahlaut  can be contacted.]
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 576
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 208.21 Crore
More than 20 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 208.21 Crore  today. More than 20 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10413071
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10098802
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
6558119
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18432901
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17684992
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
12741954
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
39768168
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
29157825
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
61470658
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
51768288
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
560055141
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
511034205
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
41511939
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
203798731
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
195820295
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
25303395
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127515443
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
122389406
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
36592299
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
1021454113
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
937953813
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
122707706
|
|
Total
|
|
2082115632
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 14th August, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
37
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
214
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
10671
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
68
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
290
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
15025
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
8582
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17675
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3486
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10587
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
17106
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
77438
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1115339
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3429
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
16679
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
508902
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2050
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9708
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
244817
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
34758
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
132591
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1894754
|
|
Total
|
|
2062103
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 156.02 Cr
More than 58 lakhVaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 94.83%
2,68,833New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
6,041 Total Omicron cases detected so far; an increase of 5.01% since yesterday
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 14,17,820
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 12.84%
With the administration of more than 58 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 156.02 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 1,67,37,458sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,90,000
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
97,73,038
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
16,23,044
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,88,668
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,70,38,942
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
12,63,648
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3,25,28,416
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
52,27,91,475
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
36,53,17,224
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
19,72,28,380
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
15,99,21,265
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,29,01,827
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10,01,67,506
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
9,17,684
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
38,04,376
|
|
Total
|
|
1,56,02,51,117
1,22,684patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 3,49,47,390.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 94.83%.
2,68,833new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at14,17,820. Active cases constitute 3.85%of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 16,13,740tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over70.07 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 12.84% and the Daily Positivity rate also reported to be 16.66%.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
TB cases in India
As per the Global TB Report 2019, the estimated number of cases and death rate in India has reduced from 2015 as under:
|
|
Year
|
|
Incidence
|
|
Mortality
|
|
2015
|
|
217/lakh population
|
|
36/lakh population
|
|
2016
|
|
211/lakh population
|
|
35/ lakh population
|
|
2017
|
|
204/lakh population
|
|
34/lakh population
|
|
2018
|
|
199/lakh population
|
|
33/lakh population
The total number of TB cases notified during the last three years and current year are as under:
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|
Year
|
|
Total No. of notified TB patients
|
|
2017 
|
|
1827959
|
|
2018
|
|
2155894
|
|
2019 
|
|
2404815
|
|
2020 
|
|
1176164
The Government of India is committed to End TB by 2025. Ministry has developed the National Strategic Plan  for Tuberculosis  with the goal of ending TB by 2025.
The key focus areas are:
• Early diagnosis of all the TB patients, prompt treatment with quality assured drugs and treatment regimens along with suitable patient support systems to promote adherence.
• Engaging with the patients seeking care in the private sector.
• Prevention strategies including active case finding and contact tracing in high risk / vulnerable population
• Airborne infection control.
• Multi-sectoral response for addressing social determinants.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Use of e-NAM Platform by Farmers
During FY 2020-21, total 37.73 lakh farmers & during FY 2021-22  total 8.78 lakh farmers have used National Agriculture Market  platform to sell their agricultural produces.
The major crops which are traded on e-NAM platform by farmers are paddy, wheat, cotton, chilli, soyabeans, maize, potato, chana, tomato, groundnut, mustard seeds, gaur seeds, onion, turmeric, arhar , bajra, moong whole , castor seed, lentil , sweet lemon etc.
e-NAM is a virtual platform integrating physical wholesale mandis/ markets of different States/ Union Territories  to facilitate online trading of agriculture and horticulture commodities through transparent price discovery method to enable farmers to realize better remunerative prices for their produce. So far, 1000 Agricultural Produce Market Committees  markets have been integrated in 18 States and 03 UTs. e-NAM platform has no provision to capture prices of non e-NAM mandis. The price of agricultural produce is dependent mainly on the supply, demand, climatic conditions, location of market from production area and quality of the produce etc.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Construction of Pandu Ship Repair Facility to start from May, 2022; to be completed in two years: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal met the top officials of Inland Waterways Authority of India , Cochin Shipyard Limited & IIT, Madras to review the progress on the Pandu Ship repair facility in Guwahati on Monday. The minister said that the technical work is being completed as the construction of the facility is slated to commence from May, 2022. The project is aimed to be completed within two years; i.e. by 2024.
The announcement of the new ship repair facility was made on 26th August, 2021. This facility is going to be a major contributor to the economic resurgence of the region. The design and implementation of this project is being done jointly by IWAI and Cochin Shipyard Limited. The technical support is being provided by IIT, Madras. The facility - also referred as ‘Slipway’ - is going to be developed on 3.67 acre of land which is provided by Government of Assam.
The minister further expounded that the future progress of the Northeast region lies in the development of the waterways. He said the work has already started on the National Waterway 2 - the Brahmaputra - as well as National Waterway 6 - the Barak which will help in facilitating cargo traffic, passenger traffic as well as tourist jetties for economic growth of the region. In order to achieve a motor able waterway, dredging of both the rivers are to be done at critical junctures so that adequate depth is achieved for cargo ship movement,he added.
Shri Sonowal said “Our rich history economic prosperity can be reinvigorated by developing our rivers as waterways for smooth & swift movement of cargo and passengers. This will not only boost the export sector of the entire northeastern region but will also become a major multiplier in the employment generation in the region. All the state governments of Northeast have extended their support in developing these waterways. We - the centre along with the state governments - will work together in a seamless manner so that the people can reap the benefits & prosper.”
MJPS
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President's Secretariat
President of India Graces National Voters’ Day Celebrations
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the 9th National Voters’ Day celebrations today  in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Indian democracy is a shining example for the world. We are both the largest and most diverse democracy. And while the contribution of all stakeholders in our election process is important, two stakeholders stand out. These are the voters and the Election Commission. In their roles, they complement each other.
The President said that India’s sheer size and the logistics of elections in our country make it critical to embrace modern technology. India’s democracy and electoral system is held in high regard internationally. Election institutions of many countries have studied our electoral management system. The Election Commission of India has helped train officers and built capacities in several countries. This is a reflection of the respect for it.
The President noted that the theme of Voters’ Day this year is, “No voter to be left behind.” He said that the principle behind this is very simply the principle of upholding equality of political rights and of universal franchise. A general election in a democracy is akin to a sacred ritual. He urged all eligible citizens to become part of this ritual and participate in the general election of 2019. He said that each vote will encourage another voter, and each vote will strengthen our democracy.
Please click here for the text of President’s speech
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 183.52 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 17.21 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
1,83,52,25,060
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
17,21,00,256
More than 183.52 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 17.21 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Railways
RPF starts nation-wide efforts to identify and act against touting activity
The drive was launched on 20.05.2020
Nation-wide efforts to identify and act against these touts.
Analysis of PRS data through PRABAL module clubbed with ground intelligence.
14 touts including 8 IRCTC agents were arrested and recovered tickets worth Rs. 636727
As Indian Railways has started 15 pairs of AC Special trains on 12th May,2020 and announced 100 pairs of additional trains w.e.f 01 June 2020, complaints had started to pour in regarding touts of e-tickets using multiple personal Ids and cornering reserved berths in these special trains. It was also apprehended that once the reservation for the 100 pairs of trains start on 21.05.2020, the activities of these touts will escalate adversely affecting the availability of confirmed train reservations to the common man.
In view of the above, RPF has started concerted nation wide efforts to identify and act against these touts. Analysis of PRS data through PRABAL module clubbed with ground intelligence is being used to identify and bring them to book.
The drive has been launched on 20.05.2020 and despite the impact of AMPHAN in eastern part of the country, RPF has been able to arrest 14 touts including 8 IRCTC agents and recovered tickets worth Rs 636727/-  wherein the journey is yet to be performed.
The IRCTC agents were using personal Ids to corner tickets and then sell them unauthorizedly at a premium. Action has been initiated to get them blacklisted. One tout was found using auto fill software called Super Tatkal Pro.
Ministry of Defence
DELIVERY OF FIRST MCA BARGE, LSAM 7  AT INS TUNIR, MUMBAI
Contract for construction of 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition  Barge was concluded with M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam, a MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India. First Barge of the series LSAM 7  has been delivered to Indian Navy on 18 Jul 23 in presence of Cmde Iftekhar Alam, Commanding Officer, INS Tunir. The Barge has been built under the classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping  with a service life of 30 years. With all major/ auxiliary equipment sourced from indigenous manufacturers, the Barge is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence.
Induction of MCA Barges will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles / ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.
VM/JSN
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Ministry of Railways
A FESTIVE BONANZA FOR ODISHA
PM TO FLAG OFF VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS TRAIN BETWEEN PURI-ROURKELA
On the eve of the festive season, the second Vande Bharat Express for Odisha will be introduced to run between Puri–Rourkela–Puri.
Hon’ble Prime Minister will virtually inaugurate the Puri – Rourkela Vande Bharat Express on 24th September, 2023 along with eight more Vande Bharat Express trains across the country.
Vande Bharat Express, the symbol of progressive and self-reliant India is a testament to the success of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative envisioned by Hon’ble PM. Vande Bharat is India’s first indigenous Semi High Speed train and it aims to provide a totally new travel experience to the passengers. Speed, Safety and Service are the hallmarks of this train.
The Vande Bharat Express offers most comfortable journey with superior world –class features. Connecting some major cities of Odisha e.g. Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Sambalpur, this train will greatly benefit the pilgrims, traders, students and tourists with a reduced travel time between Puri and Rourkela.
This 2nd Vande Bharat Express will connect the abode of Lord Jagannath, the holy city of Puri with the Steel City Rourkela  and will also connect Capital City Bhubaneswar, Industrial Area at Angul and Jharsuguda enroute. This premium service will offer the fastest rail connectivity between Puri-Rourkela and will run six days a week except Saturday.
The Vande Bharat Express will cover the distance of 505 kms in 7 hours and 45 minutes from Puri to Rourkela. Train No.20836 Puri-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express will depart Puri at 05.00 hrs and will reach Rourkela at 12:45 hrs on same day. In return direction, 20835 Rourkela- Puri Vande Bharat Express will depart Rourkela at 14:10 hrs and will reach Puri at 21.40 hrs on same day. The train will have stoppages at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Rairakhol, Sambalpur City and Jharsuguda enroute.
This Vande Bharat service will reduce the average travel time from Puri–Rourkela as compared to Puri-Yog Nagari Rishikesh Express which takes 11.50 hours and Puri-Hatia Tapaswini Express which takes 10.25 hours, which is the fastest train in this route.
This new Vande Bharat Express train has lot more improved and enhanced amenities and features for the comfort of the passengers. These features were improved and introduced based on the feedback taken from the passengers.
This will also connect Coastal Central and Western Odisha Districts and fulfil the dreams of people of coastal and western Odisha regions to have a luxurious, comfortable, smooth, safe train ride while counting on reduced journey time. This train will greatly benefit the pilgrims, traders, students and tourists with a reduced travel time between Puri and Rourkela.
RoM
(
Ministry of Railways
Materials Management Dept. of Western Railway contributes in combating COVID19
Workshop at Mahalaxmi in Mumbai prepares high quality PPE
Mumbai, 27th April, 2020
Western Railway’s Materials Management Department is providing essentials for doctors, paramedics and patients to fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
The department has teamed up with Medical department has been instrumental in producing PPE, steel beds for Isolation wards, invasive and non-invasive ventilators, thermal body temperature measuring guns, oxygen cylinders, sanitizers, N-95 face masks, face shields, inner gowns, disinfectant spraying pumps, sodium hypochlorite solutions. This is in addition to the 410 Isolation coaches being arranged by the Western Railway.
At Lower Parel Workshop and EMU Workshop at Mahalaxmi about 200 PPE coveralls are being prepared every day. These kits comply with the standards of Defence Research Development Establishment  and South India Textile Research Association .
Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway Shri Ravinder Bhakar informed that Materials Management team has arranged medical essentials in all six divisions i.e. Ratlam, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mumbai and Bhavnagar through trade purchases utilising various modes of procurement.
To monitor the demand & supply, the department has switched over to online platform. It has also created a special task force including a material collection team to reach out to places in and around Mumbai. It uses Video Conference application and WhatsApp Group at various levels to make arrangements promptly.
It has also ensured uninterrupted supply of all items required for the safe running of Goods and parcel trains including loco spares, coaching SLR spares and wagon spares which has been made possible through relentless monitoring of the stock and dues of these items and regular interaction with the industry by the headquarter and Depot Officers and staff.
Furthermore, the department ensures wellbeing of its staff and their family. Employees update about health status of themselves and their family in WhatsApp groups on a daily basis. Officers and staff are encouraged and persuaded to download Aarogya Setu App.
RT/DL/PM
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Ministry of Defence
Southern Command celebrates Independence Day
Pune, 15 August 2022
Independence Day 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav was celebrated at Southern Command War Memorial with great pomp and show by hoisting of the National Flag and conduct of various other events to commemorate the 75th year of Independence and Har Ghar Tiranga.
A solemn Flag hoisting ceremony was conducted in the area premises of HQ Dakshin Maharashtra & Goa Sub Area by Brigadier RR Kamath, Station Commander, Pune followed by Wreath Laying Ceremony at the War Memorial and was attended by all officers, JCOs and OR of HQ Dakshin Maharashtra & Goa Sub Area and other veterans and civilians. After this event a Motor Cycle Rally was flagged off by the Station Commander wherein more than 300 bike riders carrying the National Flag and message of Peace, Prosperity and Harmony marched off from Southern Command War Memorial. The motorcyclists steered their way through the city conveying their message and finally culminating their journey at Kondhwa.PIB Pune | M.Iyengar/D.Rane
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